'˜Incredible' Lancashire mum's fund to help others

Devoted mum-of-three Julie Gyi dedicated her life to supporting other people’s health and wellbeing through her Preston-based therapeutic company Ceragem.

When the former Cardinal Allen teacher was given a devastating diagnosis earlier this year, family, supporters and clients in turn rallied to raise tens of thousands of pounds to fund treatment abroad.

Her proud sons Matt, Dan and Mike are to honour one of her last wishes by sharing Julie’s treatment fund between her chosen charities.

Speaking ahead of the funeral on Saturday, September 30 at 11.30am at Carleton Crematorium, they asked guests to wear their most colourful clothes. They said: “Mum was incredible and left us with the most fantastic memories. She was an amazing lady and we’ll miss her tons, but we want Saturday to be a time to celebrate her life.”

Julie was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma – which accounts for just one per cent of cancers. After surgery in February 2016 the future looked positive, particularly when Julie was given the all clear at her first three month check up. But just three months later, a lump had appeared at the back of her knee.

Numerous tests were carried out which found it was malignant and had spread. The only possible treatment was not available on the NHS.

Despite having her leg amputated to remove the tumour, Julie, 59, was spurred on by the public’s support, and started to write a blog.

She learned to walk on a prosthetic and was able to dance at her eldest son’s wedding in July. But after a second trip for treatment in Germany last month, her health declined rapidly and Julie, from Cleveleys, passed away at Bispham’s Trinity Hospice. Hundreds of mourners who followed Julie’s story took to social media with loving tributes.